The Door Industry Journal: March 2026

Saturday, 7 March 2026

Doors close on Adlor – or do they?

After 44 years of trading, the doors finally closed on our family business at the end of February…

In 1981, the year left school, my father, John McConnel started the business with two partners, one of which was bought out for £100 with a year. My father and his other partner (Keith Adams) continued the business for several years until Keith decided to leave. My Mum, Brother and I then became partners, with dad still holding 51% of the company. (shrewd) and has continued as such.

Over the years we have seen manufacturers come and go, including Westland Engineers, Catnic Garador, management buyouts and finally the Germans arrived and took over, but we survived it all and carried on regardless with a typical stiff upper lip.

There have been some funny moments along the way, particularly with customers, one example was, when we asked a homeowner how old the operator was? The lady was then heard saying to her husband. How old are you Bill?

There is so much more I could write but hopefully this gives you a small insight into an old fashioned, successful family run business in the true sense of the word and not a computer in sight.

Dad is not nearly 89, he would like to carry on with his hobby and was working up ‘til eight weeks ago, but I'm afraid age has finally caught up with him. Although he is still giving out instructions from his bedside.

We would like to thank our wonderful and not so wonderful staff over the years for helping us along the way. In particular a special mention to Lee Shepherd who has been our right-hand man for more than 20 years, Lee is staying in the garage door industry. and l am sure will be very successful in his own right. Also, a special mention to all of our customers, past and present, who without none of this could of happened.

Moving forward the business has been sold to another local garage door company; whose hands we feel confident in leaving it to. We wish Jon May of 1* Choice Garage Doors continued success for the future, that I know we have enjoyed for so long.

www.adloruk.com

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Friday, 6 March 2026

Can I rely on risk assessments for doors, gates, and barriers?

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) technical team are often asked whether carrying out a risk assessment is enough to demonstrate compliance for powered doors, gates, and barrier systems. With several sets of UK regulations referencing risk assessment, it can be unclear where legal responsibilities begin and end. In this article, DHF’s technical experts explain how the regulations apply and why recognised safety standards remain central to ensuring compliance and protecting users.

When looking at the safety of doors, gates, and barrier systems, three sets of UK regulations are often referred to, The Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations 2008, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

All three place importance on risk assessment as a method of identifying hazards and protecting people. Because of this, it is sometimes assumed that completing a general risk assessment is enough to demonstrate legal compliance for entrance systems.

In practice however, the position is more specific and depends on which regulations apply and how they interact with recognised safety standards. This article explains how each set of regulations applies to doors, gates, and barriers, and whether risk assessment alone can be relied upon.

Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations 2008

The Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations applies to powered doors, gates, and barriers that are placed on the market or put into service. These regulations implement the requirements of the Machinery Directive into UK law and require manufacturers and installers to ensure that machinery is safe. Risk assessment forms part of these regulations. Manufacturers are required to identify hazards and reduce risks so far as possible.

However, powered entrance systems are also covered by harmonised European standards and UK designated standards, which describe specific safety measures and performance requirements. These standards represent what is commonly referred to as the ‘state-of-the-art’, and define the minimum level of safety expected for compliance. Where a harmonised standard exists, any risk assessment used as an alternative approach must achieve a level of safety that is equal to or better than that provided by the standard.

In theory, this allows for alternative solutions. In practice, the standards already provide detailed, well-established methods for addressing known risks such as crushing, impact, and trapping. Because of this, it is difficult to see how a different risk assessment approach could realistically offer the same level of protection without following the standards themselves. For this reason, compliance with the appropriate standard remains the normal and most reliable route to meeting the requirements of these regulations.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) apply to a wide range of equipment used at work. This often leads to the assumption that they apply to all powered doors, gates, and barriers in workplaces. However, for entrance doors, gates, and barriers that are part of the building structure, the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations take precedence.

PUWER specifically address the safety of workplace doors and traffic routes. As a result, normal entrance systems in and around workplaces do not fall under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations. Their safety is instead assessed by reference to relevant standards, which define what is reasonably practicable. Enforcement authorities and courts have previously accepted that where a recognised standard exists, it is reasonable to expect it to be followed. This means that risk assessments under PUWER are not required for entrance systems.

There is an important exception, however. Where a door, gate, or barrier forms part of a machine, production line, or industrial process, and not a building entrance, it may fall within the scope of these regulations. In such cases, risk assessment would be required.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) apply to equipment used for lifting or lowering loads. Doors, gates, and barriers do not lift loads but simply move their own structure between open and closed positions. Because of this, these regulations do not apply to entrance systems.

This position is supported by HSE guidance, which explains that equipment which only moves itself is outside the scope of LOLER. As with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, entrance systems in workplaces are instead covered by the Workplace Regulations and the relevant safety standards. Risk assessments under these regulations are therefore not required for doors, gates, and barriers.

The role of standards and risk assessment

Recognised standards for powered doors, gates, and barriers describe known hazards and the measures needed to control them. They are based on many years of technical development, accident data, and industry experience. Risk assessment can play a supporting role, particularly where site conditions are unusual or where additional control measures are needed.

However, a risk assessment cannot be used to justify safety measures that fall below the level set out in the standards. In simple terms, risk assessment does not replace the standards. It must work alongside them and cannot reduce the level of protection they require.

Summary

In summary, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations do not apply to entrance doors, gates, and barrier systems used as part of buildings. The Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations do apply to powered entrance systems, but any risk assessment carried out under these regulations must deliver a level of safety that is at least equal to that set out in the recognised standards. Because the standards already define current good practice and minimum safety levels, they remain the primary reference for legal compliance and for protecting people using doors, gates, and barriers.

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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Thursday, 5 March 2026

Fire Stopping Ventilation: The Role of Fire Block Louvre Systems

Allegion UK, a leading name in fire safety hardware with a trusted reputation for keeping people safe where they live, learn, work, and connect, discusses the importance of adequate ventilation and combining air movement with fire protection when both are needed.

Supplier of the Zero FBLS Fire Block Louvre System, Allegion UK offers an extensive range of innovative fire door hardware designed to improve the effectiveness of fire doors in containing the spread of fire, smoke and heat.

Why Ventilation Matters

Buildings that don’t breathe properly can become health hazards. Poor indoor air quality, from elevated CO2 to VOCs emitted by everyday materials, contributes to headaches, respiratory irritation and dips in concentration and productivity. Inadequate ventilation is a particular concern in offices, classrooms, plant rooms and other enclosed spaces where people spend long periods of time.

Door louvres are a straightforward, effective way to improve air circulation, helping to reduce moisture, dispersing pollutants and supporting temperature control. But where air can pass, so can smoke and flame. That’s why a conventional louvre is not suitable for fire-rated doors.

Iain Banks, Product Marketing Manager at Allegion UK, commented: “When you need airflow and fire protection in the same opening, a fire block louvre is the sensible and compliant option for your steel fire doors. Metal louvres will provide the ventilation you need in offices, classrooms, plant rooms, stores and other areas, but the Zero FBLS Fire Block Louvre System assures that ventilation doesn’t become a route for smoke or fire.”

Balancing Air Movement & Fire Safety

The ideal solution for both factory-fitting and retrofit applications, the FBLS Fire Block Louvre System accommodates door thicknesses from 29 mm upwards and provides a 40% free area for effective airflow. At the centre of the FBLS is an intumescent fire block, which, under high temperatures, expands to seal the opening, choking off the passage of fire and cold smoke, while the louvre remains unobtrusive in everyday use. The result is a practical, compliant solution for fire-rated doors that also require ventilation.

Iain continues: “Our fire block louvre systems are expertly manufactured in our workshop and are suitable for steel fire doors, providing up to 240 minutes of fire integrity. We have over 20 standard sizes available from stock and any size available to order from a minimum cut-out of 152 x 152mm.”

To learn more about the Zero FBLS Fire Block Louvre System, visit zeroplus.co.uk or call 01785 282 910.

www.allegion.com

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Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Hörmann SPU F42 Door Delivers Reliability and Performance for RNLI Lifeboat Station

Hörmann UK industrial trade partner, Norwich-based Cooks Doors, has successfully completed the installation of a Hörmann SPU F42 sectional door at the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire. Designed to perform in some of the UK’s most demanding environments, the new door provides the RNLI with a robust, reliable, and highly efficient solution to support its vital operations.

Measuring an impressive 7500 x 3650mm, the SPU F42 sectional door was specified for its strength, durability, and consistent performance in what is a challenging coastal setting. Manufactured from galvanised steel with a solid, double-skinned construction and a high-grade polyurethane foam core, the door offers excellent thermal efficiency, helping to maintain a stable internal environment within the lifeboat station. With a thermal insulation value of 1.2 W/m²K, the door helps reduce heat loss, supporting energy efficiency and creating a more comfortable working space for the RNLI crew.

Given the exposed coastal location, resistance to the elements was a key consideration. The SPU F42 achieves Class 3 performance for both wind load and water tightness, helping to protect the station interior, equipment, and lifeboats from harsh weather conditions. Additional corrosion protection has been applied to the door fittings to further enhance longevity, ensuring reliable operation despite constant exposure to salty sea air.

The door is finished externally in Gentian blue (RAL 5010), complementing the lifeboat station’s appearance, while the off-white interior finish (RAL 9002) helps to brighten the internal space. Two rows of vision panels were incorporated into the design, allowing increased natural light into the building and improving visibility without compromising strength or security.

Operational reliability is critical for the RNLI, where rapid response times are essential. The SPU F42 is powered by a 400v three-phase operator, providing smooth, dependable day-to-day operation. In the event of a power failure, a manual hand chain ensures the door can be operated, maintaining access at all times. Safety has also been prioritised, with an integrated safety edge that automatically stops the door if an obstruction is detected, helping to protect personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

The installation of the Hörmann SPU F42 sectional door will help ensure that RNLI Mablethorpe are able to launch quickly and effectively in all conditions, ultimately helping them continue their lifesaving work along the Lincolnshire coast.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Premier-Line: How One Sectional Garage Door Range Quietly Defined a Market Shift

In an industry often swayed by passing trends and aesthetic gimmicks, it is the quietly consistent performers that tend to leave the most lasting impact. Premier-Line, the sectional garage door range supplied exclusively by JDUK Door Systems, is one such example.

Launched just over 18 months ago, the range has steadily gained traction not by chasing trends, but by embodying the core principles that trade professionals have always valued: efficiency, reliability, and real-world performance. As conversations around home improvement increasingly shift towards longevity, practicality, and aesthetic consistency, Premier-Line has found itself perfectly aligned with these changing expectations. It may not have been designed in response to this shift, but it now stands as a benchmark for it.

"Premier-Line was developed with a clear focus on what really matters to the installer," explains Jason Wade, Sales & Marketing Director at JDUK. "We wanted to create a door that simplifies the job on site, reduces installation time, and consistently delivers a premium result. What we’re seeing now is that homeowners are beginning to value these same traits just as much."

The range features a suite of installer-first innovations. Pre-assembled vertical tracks, pre-tensioned springs, and pre-drilled fixing holes come as standard. For wider openings, doors up to 5500mm can be fitted with side tension springs, eliminating the need for overhead torsion systems and simplifying installation in a wider variety of spaces. Each feature is carefully considered, not just to make the fitter’s job easier, but to ensure repeatable, reliable performance.

This focus on practicality has led to enthusiastic adoption by many in the trade. The time savings delivered on site have helped businesses boost productivity, reduce complexity, and deliver a high-spec finish with fewer headaches. For busy installers balancing multiple jobs, the difference is tangible. But the appeal of Premier-Line extends well beyond ease of installation.

Its insulated panel construction offers strong thermal performance and structural durability, making it a solid choice for garages used as workshops, storage spaces, or as part of the home itself. Meanwhile, a broad palette of over 45 standard RAL colours, custom colour-matching options, and multiple panel styles give homeowners the visual flexibility they increasingly expect.

Jason explains, “We’re seeing more and more requests from customers who want a garage door that matches their front door, or their window frames, or the overall character of their home. Premier-Line makes that easy, without adding complication for the installer."

Premier-Line’s powder-coated finishes, available in both matte and textured options, offer high levels of resistance to UV, corrosion, and everyday wear. Even the hardware can be powder-coated to match, adding a final visual touch that contributes to the product’s growing reputation for design-led practicality.

JDUK has backed the range with its full-service support model, including technical help, pricing tools, colour swatches, and dedicated trade assistance. The company continues to refine Premier-Line based on installer feedback, making incremental improvements where needed and ensuring the range remains competitive without compromising on its core strengths.

"This isn’t a range that makes big promises and chases flashy features," says Jason. "It’s one that shows up, fits easily, performs well, and looks great doing it. That’s what installers respect. And increasingly, it’s what homeowners want too."

In a market that often celebrates the new and the novel, Premier-Line represents something more enduring: a sectional garage door range built on the fundamentals, which continues to earn trust through consistent delivery. As the industry continues to evolve, it may well be the quiet benchmarks like Premier-Line that set the tone for what the next generation of garage doors will look like.

For more information or to request a trade brochure, contact JDUK Door Systems at sales@jdukltd.co.uk or call 01924 472 924.

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Monday, 2 March 2026

DHF launches Core Competence in Building Hardware training courses

On 4th February 2025, DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) unveiled the UK’s first Ofqual-regulated and ABBE-accredited qualifications dedicated to the building hardware industry. The launch event was held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon exclusively for DHF members of the Building Hardware Group, manufacturers from the Timber and Metal Doorset Groups, and invited industry guests. It marked an important milestone for the sector.

“This launch represented more than the introduction of a new training programme,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “Rather, it signalled a significant change in how competence in the building hardware industry is developed, measured and recognised. The qualification has been created by building hardware manufacturers, for manufacturers, and with a clear focus on quality, credibility and regulatory compliance.”

As the first Ofqual regulated qualification of its kind, and accredited by ABBE, the programme sets a new standard for professional competence in building hardware. It has been developed using more than 500 years of combined industry experience and reflects real working practice, current legislation, and growing expectations for proven competence across the built environment. DHF members and guests were the first to see this important development, marking not just the launch of a qualification but the start of a new approach to competence within the sector.

The event included presentations from Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, DHF’s Commercial Director and Paul Johnson, DHF’s Project Manager who guided attendees through the journey of developing the training programme. Richard Bromley, Chair of the Building Hardware Group, Paul Browne, Chair of DHF, and Sam Howard of ABBE each spoke about the importance of regulated qualifications and their role in supporting higher industry standards. A live question and answer session followed, focusing on the development and future impact of the qualification, with the Q&A panel comprising DHF’s Paul Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly of Rutland UK, Neil Rule of Access2, and Richard Bromley. The discussion highlighted the collaborative effort across the industry to bring the programme to life.

“We were particularly pleased to welcome representatives from a wide range of organisations, including the Construction Products Association, Master Locksmiths Association, Police CPI, the Office for Product Safety and Standards, CITB, Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, Clearview Group, and BRE,” concludes Patricia. “Their attendance demonstrated strong support for improving competence and meeting changing regulatory requirements.”

The qualification aligns with the Construction Product Competence Standard set out in the Construction Products Association White Paper and this places the programme at the forefront of wider competence reform, reinforcing DHF’s leadership in supporting a safer and more accountable built environment. DHF members will have exclusive access to the Core Competence in Building Hardware training courses for the first six months, with the programme due to launch in Spring 2026.

To register your interest in the Core Competence in Building Hardware training courses, please email training@dhfonline.org.uk

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Sunday, 1 March 2026

Goodwood Revival to celebrate Maserati’s racing centenary

The Goodwood Revival (18-20 September) will mark the centenary of Maserati’s first major triumph at the Targa Florio, with an exceptional collection of cars.

No marque in history has embraced the highs and lows of motorsport more enigmatically than Maserati. From beautiful cars and legendary drivers to glorious victories - and occasional setbacks - Maserati has always chased success with unmistakable, charismatic Italian flair.

Maserati’s ascent began in 1926, when Alfieri Maserati drove the pioneering Tipo 26 to a class win at the Targa Florio. It was the first of many triumphs, laying the foundation for decades of achievements across multiple motorsport disciplines.

At this year’s Revival, that legacy will be celebrated in true Italian style. From the cars on track to chic mid-century fashion, the event will embrace La Dolce Vita. Paddocks will be transformed to evoke the dusty, sun-soaked roads of post-war Sicily and the golden era of the Targa Florio, immersing visitors in the romance and spirit of Italy.

Across the weekend, more than 50 pre-’66 Maseratis will take to the track, each reflecting a defining moment in the marque's storied racing history. Visitors can expect the largest gathering of Maserati 250Fs, alongside notable models including the likes of the 150S, 200Si, 300S, 350S, 450S, 4CL, 4CM, 8C, 8CM, A6GCS, Tipo 151, Tipo 63, V4 and V8RI, amongst many others.

Customers can save on Goodwood Revival admission tickets during our early bird window, available now at goodwood.com

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